At the end of the Civil War, the citizens of Galena,
Ill., to demonstrate their appreciation for the achievements of their
hometown war hero, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, presented him with this
handsome residence. Because of official duties and his preference for
various other homes he maintained in the East, however, he used it
infrequently, most notably during his victorious first race for
President in 1868.

In 1860 Grant, who had resigned from the Army and
failed in farming and business ventures in and near St. Louis, went to
work in a family-owned leather goods store in Galena. He lived a
relatively quiet life there until the outbreak of the Civil War the next
year, when he returned to active service as colonel of the 21st Illinois
Volunteer Infantry. Earlier, he had acted as a drillmaster for local
volunteers.

Grant Home.(National Park Service, Hruska-Kray,
1976.)

When Grant returned in triumph in 1865, the residents
of the city awarded him this furnished home overlooking the Galena River
and affording a commanding view of the city. A two-story, Italianate
structure of brick, it had been built in 1859-60 by Galena's former city
clerk Alexander J. Jackson. The house featured wide overhanging eaves
supported by large wooden brackets, a low-pitched roof, white wood trim,
and green shutters. A columned and balconied piazza adorned the main
entrance, at the southeast corner. The kitchen was in a one-story, rear
wing.

After completing his second term as President in
1877, Grant resided temporarily at Galena, but soon began an extensive
world tour (1877-79), after which he again stayed for a short time in
the residence. After settling permanently in New York City in 1880, the
Grants rented it out until his death 5 years later.

In 1904, his son, Gen. Frederick Dent Grant, deeded
the house to the city for preservation as a memorial to his father. In
1932 the State acquired the structure, by which time it had fallen into
disrepair, and in 1955-57, utilizing the original plans, restored it to
its historic appearance.

The home is furnished with period pieces and Grant
family items. Among the latter are china and silver used in the White
House, Grant's favorite armchair, military trophies, and souvenirs
acquired on the world tour. Also exhibited is a carriage he used during
his Presidency. A small brick building to the northeast of the residence
contains additional exhibits; it was constructed at the time of the
restoration. The property is a State memorial.